Dr. Yang received his M.S. and Ph.D from Penn State University and specializes in blueberry production systems with expertise spanning blueberry field establishment, mechanical harvesting systems, fertigation, pruning, pest management, rootstocks, mycorrhiza, food safety, and international marketing. As the leader of Oregon’s blueberry Extension program, he addresses both immediate and long-term industry challenges through collaborative research and outreach, bringing together engineers, computer scientists, pest management specialists, horticulturists, and industry stakeholders. A notable recent contribution to blueberry science is his development of the first commercial, patent-pending blueberry rootstock. Through applied research and educational programs, his extension and research efforts deliver practical solutions that benefit Oregon’s blueberry industry. As Project Director of a recently funded, multimillion-dollar USDA NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative Coordinated Agricultural Project, he leads a transdisciplinary national team of researchers working to develop mechanical harvesting systems for fresh-market blueberry production.